Manchester City’s financial case has sent a fresh tremor through English football, with Etihad Airways now publicly challenging the handling of proceedings that it says have damaged the airline’s reputation.
Etihad rejects suggestion of irregular deals
The Abu Dhabi carrier, Manchester City’s principal partner, shirt sponsor and stadium naming-rights holder, responded after the Premier League found the club guilty of serious financial-rule breaches.
- Etihad firmly denied any claim, finding or implication that it had taken part in improper commercial arrangements.
- The airline said it had not been asked for information during the process.
- It argued that material used to reach conclusions may be understood as harming the company’s name.
The airline’s association with City extends beyond the front of the shirt. Manchester’s stadium has carried the Etihad name, placing the company at the centre of the club’s modern commercial identity.
Airline considers legal action
Etihad said it was especially troubled by the way the matter had entered the public domain. A spokesperson said the communication around the case lacked sufficient clarity and transparency, while selected information had been disclosed in a manner that created damaging consequences for the airline.
The company said the Premier League must take responsibility for those effects. It is now seeking specialist legal advice on the options available to defend its interests.
A dispute beyond the club
The response underlines how the case reaches beyond Manchester City and the league authorities. Etihad has sought to draw a line between its own commercial activity and the allegations examined in the proceedings, while making clear that it believes its reputation has been affected by the public presentation of the case.
